Following these events, in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, tragedy strikes the Klingon moon Praxis, causing it to explode. The explosion causes significant environmental damage to the Klingon home world, Qo'noS, and the Klingons agree to peace talks. Kirk and the Enterprise are assigned to escort the Klingon chancellor to Earth but are framed for an attack on the Klingon ship. Later, at the second attempt at peace talks, the Enterprise and USS Excelsior destroy a prototype Klingon Bird of Prey that was responsible for the initial attack and prevent another assassination attempt.

Both ships are heavily damaged in the battle. The Enterprise is assigned to be decommissioned by Starfleet, but we are never shown its eventual fate. The next film begins aboard the new Enterprise-B.